Paimio

Travel Guide

Set between culturally and historically valuable arable land and a sheltered sea bay, Paimio has one of Alvar Aalto's most famous pieces of design. 

Located near the city of Turku, Paimio is known for the Paimio Sanatorium, designed by the architect and designer, Alvar Aalto, and the hillside meadows nearby along the River Paimionjoki are areas of outstanding national beauty. You can also learn about the wonders of electricity and handicrafts at the town's various museums.

Start your visit by following the central Vista trail to see the chainsaw animal sculptures. The route through central Paimio is just under two miles and has several important places to visit. Around the corner from the main route lies the 17th-century St. Michael's Church.

Make sure to visit the Miila Handicrafts Museum and the Paimio Electrical Museum. The Miila Museum has a versatile display of crafts and regularly changing special exhibitions, whilst the Paimio Electrical Museum is a great place to explore the history of electricity generation and supply. Further from the centre lies the Paimio Local History Museum, where you can see cottage life and everyday objects dating back to the 19th century.

The best-known attraction in Paimio is undoubtedly the Paimio Sanatorium. Despite being completed in 1933, its functionalist architecture seems modern. The hospital still uses furniture and lamps designed by Alvar Aalto. As the sanatorium is still in use, you can only visit by pre-booked guided tour. However, you can explore the hospital's impressive grounds on your own.

An easy and refreshing way to have an inexpensive holiday in Paimio is to plan your holiday around the many natural attractions, such as the Askalankoski Rapids area. You can also go hiking along the Paimio Nature Trail, with its views of swamps, ponds and a "devil's field" of ancient glacial boulders. The most diverse landscape is Paimionlahti Bay, a narrow body of water running deep inland and favoured by a wide variety of birds.

Paimio has excellent transport links and is located midway between Turku and Salo. The Turku-Helsinki motorway runs through the town, so travelling by car once you’re in Finland is easy. The Finnfoam Paippi Ski Tunnel allows visitors to enjoy year-round skiing.

Hotel Kakola
Hotel Kakola
Kakolankatu 14, Turku
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$224 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$224
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Turku. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,051 reviews)
"What a unique place to stay! A boutique hotel built in the former County Prison atop the highest hill in Turku. It's such an interesting place. I should say first that I only awarded four stars because I happened to have a very small -- though nicely appointed and functional -- room. I'm sure I would ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Hotel Kakola
Holiday Club Turun Caribia
Holiday Club Turun Caribia
Kongressikuja 1, Turku
The price is S$167 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$167
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Turku. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 6 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"It was a great experience for family bonding and relaxation."

Reviewed on 8 Mar, 2025

Holiday Club Turun Caribia
Ruissalo Spa Hotel
Ruissalo Spa Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Ruissalon Puistotie 640, Turku
The price is S$197 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$197
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Turku. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 indoor pools. Popular attractions Port of Turku and Viking Line Terminal are ...
7.6/10 Good! (995 reviews)
Would not stay there again
"This is one of the six hotels we stayed at booking through hotel.com. This is the only one that we gave a poor rating to The front desk staff was very good and in general spoke strong English The restaurant staff was another story. The person assigned to wait on us could not really speak English. ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul, 2024

Ruissalo Spa Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bob W Turku City Centre
Bob W Turku City Centre
4 out of 5
12 Eerikinkatu, Turku
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Turku. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Viking Line Terminal and Port of Turku ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (358 reviews)
Great stay at Bob W in Turku
"Our room at Bob W was great and very spacious. The beds were very comfortable, and we loved all of the little extras, like yoga mats and a free subscription to online yoga."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Bob W Turku City Centre
Holiday Club Turun Caribia Superior Apartments
Holiday Club Turun Caribia Superior Apartments
4 out of 5
Kongressikuja 1, Turku, Southwest Finland
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Turku. Enjoy 6 indoor pools, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Viking Line Terminal and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (168 reviews)
Children’s Paradise
"I am on crutches and there was no attempt to organise accessible room or indicate where I could park. Bed was not comfortable and apartment was stuffy with all windows open. There was no fan or air conditioning. Kitchen amenities were great. Lots of activities to amuse children."

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2024

Holiday Club Turun Caribia Superior Apartments
Forenom Aparthotel Turku
Forenom Aparthotel Turku
3.5 out of 5
KRISTIINANKATU 9, Turku
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Turku. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Viking Line Terminal and Port of ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (81 reviews)
"it was good"

Reviewed on 27 Jul, 2024

Forenom Aparthotel Turku
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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